NATO defense ministers have approved an operational plan for enhanced support to Ukraine. It includes a greater role for the Alliance in supplying weapons and training the Ukrainian military, according to NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg.
"On Ukraine, we have agreed on a plan that sets how NATO will lead the coordination of security assistance and training. This will allow NATO leaders to launch this effort at the Washington Summit in July, putting our support for Ukraine on a firmer footing for years to come,” said Stoltenberg.
According to him, about 700 troops from NATO and partner countries will be involved in the plan. NATO will oversee the training of the Ukrainian forces at training bases in Allied countries, provide support to Ukraine, coordinate donations of equipment, and contribute to the long-term development of the Ukrainian troops.
“These efforts do not make us a party to the conflict," the Secretary-General said, adding they will enhance support for Ukraine in its right to self-defense.
NATO's assistance to Ukraine
Today's meeting of NATO defense ministers discussed the coordination of military assistance to Ukraine and training for Ukrainian soldiers. The United States currently controls sending assistance to Ukraine.
However, NATO will take up these functions, considering the upcoming US presidential election.
Ukraine's Defense Minister Rustem Umerov said that NATO's new plan to expand military support for Ukraine will involve the bloc's active involvement in helping Kyiv. This will allow Ukraine to receive everything it needs for defense promptly.